GEORGE TOWN: The Board of Visitors of Bukit Mertajam Hospital has dismissed as false and racially inflammatory a viral claim alleging that the hospital will be relocated to accommodate a temple, urging authorities to take firm action against those spreading such misinformation.
The claim, circulated on Facebook by user Hamly Hadi, alleged that “Bukit Mertajam Hospital will be moved so as not to disturb a temple — Steven Sim Chee Keong.”
In a statement, the board said the allegation was untrue, defamatory and made with malicious intent, stressing that during a visit to the hospital on Sept 14, 2025, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim did not raise any issue relating to a temple.
“His visit focused on efforts to improve hospital facilities for the well-being of the public,” it said.
The board clarified that there are no plans to relocate the hospital. Instead, plans are underway to expand the facility through the construction of an additional block to cater to the growing number of patients, including those from neighbouring districts such as Kulim, Kedah.
“The proposal, which has been jointly pursued by the hospital and its board of visitors since 2023, is supported by the Penang state government, which has provided eight acres of land.
“It is currently undergoing approval by the Ministry of Health,” it said.
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